Soaking up the Sun – Homemade Summer Skincare for the Sunburned

July 5, 2012

Photo Credit: S Diddy

We all enjoy catching some rays in the summer season but sunburned skin can take all the fun out of going outside. While it is highly recommended that you wear a proper sunscreen for your skin, sunburns still occur and your skin can become itchy, dry and often times very irritated. Did you know that one of the super foods found right in your kitchen can be the starting point for the sunburn relief you have always hoped for? Oatmeal is found is just about every American’s kitchen cabinet and can be used with a multitude of mixtures to help sooth your sunburned skin.

Red and irritated sunburns can keep us from enjoying our day leaving you distracted and unfocused, but with these few recipes you are guaranteed to find something that helps your skin stay strong and soothed when you get summertime sunburns.

What you will need:

1 cup natural yogurt- Greek works great because of the naturally thick consistency
½ cup dry oatmeal – Any kind of raw oatmeal works (Do not use instant oatmeal)

In a small mixing bowl, hand-stir the ingredients together until they create a visible even mixture of the two ingredients. Use a wide angled brush or facial sponge to apply to the entire face avoiding the eyes and leave on the skin for 15 minutes. It will be easier and much more relaxing if you lay down flat while the mask dries on your skin. After the time has passed, wipe the mask off your face using a washcloth that has been warmed in the microwave, but be sure that the cloth is not too hot for your skin. You will feel instant relief. If you happen to have naturally dry skin adding a few drops of honey to the mix could add in some moisture lost by the skin burn.

Eggs are not only for eating. They have an incredible amount of protein and they aren’t only good for our bodies internally but also externally.

What you will need:

2-3 egg whites (you can purchase carton of egg whites if desired)
½ cup dry oatmeal

Lightly beat the egg whites and oatmeal together. The egg white will foam a bit depending on the amount of force you beat them with. This should lightly coat the oatmeal and create and thin mixture. After the mixture is a desired consistency apply it to your face and let it dry. After it has dried wash it off with warm water. Follow up with a steam washcloth for five minutes.

Sometimes remedies can come from the most awkward places but when bad sunburn hits, we are willing to try just about anything. Some common remedies include Right Guard deodorant spray, hemorrhoid ointment and Pepto-Bismol. Pepto-Bismol, or pink bismuth as it is generically known, contains subsalicylate which is an active ingredient known to sooth imbalances within the stomach and also on the face.

What you will need:

1-2 caps full of pink bismuth (can be found at most Dollar stores)
½ cup dry oatmeal

In a small bowl, mix the two ingredients until it is the desired consistency. Apply to your face using a facial brush and leave for five minutes. Rinse with a cool washcloth and then follow with a steaming treatment. If your face is too hot to touch, then use a food processor to mix aloe, cucumber and water and apply the mixture every hour as needed.

Always be sure to protect yourself in the sun, but if the sun still wins the battle and leaves you with a nasty burn try one of these remedies out and let us know what you think. Check back tomorrow for remedies to help with dry, chapped and maturing skin.

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